Junior Boks ready to do what needs to be done at 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy

A SPIRITED and focused Junior Springbok squad is preparing to depart for Italy ahead of the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which kicks off this Sunday.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

The young South Africans will launch their campaign with a challenging Pool A fixture against Australia, followed by matchups against England and Scotland.

After wrapping up final preparations in Stellenbosch, the team will head to their tournament base in Verona on Tuesday. There, they will fine-tune their strategies and acclimatise to Italian conditions before taking the field in Calvisano on Sunday, June 29.

The players are brimming with pride and determination, as emphasised by team captain Riley Norton, a former Paul Roos Gymnasium pupil from Stellenbosch.

“We've worked incredibly hard to be here, and all of us are just so proud to be representing this team and our country,” said Norton. “The brotherhood and togetherness are big focuses for us. We all want to be the best players we can be in service of the Junior Springboks.”

Hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, who captained the SA Under-18 side last year and hails from King Edward VII School, said the experience gained in the Under-20 Rugby Championship against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand was crucial in preparing the team.